Varicose Veins Specialist

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are dilated veins in the legs. They’re different from spider veins, which are small veins visible under the skin.

The veins in your legs have valves that keep blood flowing in one direction back to the heart.

Varicose veins are often a symptom of venous disease and other related health complications.

You may be at risk of developing varicose veins if you:

• Are older
• Are obese
• Had multiple pregnancies
• Have an occupation that requires standing for long periods
• Have a family history of varicose veins

You may also be at risk if you have a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), peripheral artery disease, or don’t get enough exercise.

What is venous insufficiency?

Venous insufficiency, also called chronic venous insufficiency or chronic venous stasis, is a problem with the flow of blood from the veins to the heart.

What are varicose vein complications?

When you have venous disease, the veins in your legs dilate, and the valves don’t close as well as they should. The malfunctioning of your valves causes pooling of the blood in your legs, leg edema, and multiple problems like varicose veins. Y

our varicose veins and venous disease may cause:

• Leg pain
• Leg cramps, especially at night
• Heaviness in the legs
• Tiredness in the legs Restless legs Leg or ankle swelling
• Darkening of the skin (venous stasis)

Your varicose veins may also bleed and, in serious cases, may cause ulcers (non-healing wounds) that place you at risk of infection.

Venous disease affects 40% of females and 17% of males. Varicose veins occur in 73% of females and 56% of males.

What happens during an evaluation of varicose veins?

Dr. Siva is an experienced cardiologist and vascular specialist and performs an in-office ultrasound at Sunshine Cardiovascular & Vein to determine if you have dilated varicose veins. During the ultrasound, he measures the size of your veins and the degree of backflow.

The in-office test takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

How are varicose veins treated?

Dr. Siva develops individualized treatment plans for varicose veins based on the degree of backflow. If you have significant backflow, Dr. Siva recommends compression stockings as your first line of defense, which helps improve blood circulation. Compression stockings are knee- or thigh-high.

Dr. Siva also suggests activity modification and avoiding prolonged periods of standing.

If you’re still symptomatic after three months of wearing compression stockings, Dr. Siva recommends vein ablation to close the vein. The simple, painless in-office procedure takes about an hour and requires no anesthesia.

After the procedure, you can resume your usual activities and even drive yourself home. Most insurance carriers cover the procedure for patients with symptoms.

The closing of your varicose veins has no effect on the deep veins, which means it doesn’t affect the flow of blood back to your heart.

Varicose veins may be a symptom of a more serious circulation issue. For an exam and treatment plan, contact Sunshine Cardiovascular & Vein by phone or online today.

We are located in 5340 Gulf Drive, Suite 101, New Port Richey, FL 34652. Call us to book your appointment today.